Jim Tweto Aviator Obituary, Flying Wild Alaska Pilot Dies In An Aviation Incident

Jim Tweto Obituary, Death – Last month, a small-plane disaster near Shaktoolik claimed the lives of legendary Alaskan pilot Jim Tweto and hunting guide Shane Reynolds from Idaho. Federal investigators from the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) have released their initial findings, offering further information about the tragic incident that occurred on June 16. Jim Tweto, 68, of Unalakleet, and Shane Reynolds, 45, of Orofino, Idaho, both died in the crash.

The Victims
Notable for his extensive expertise in aviation in rural Alaska and his appearances on the Discovery TV series “Flying Wild Alaska,” Tweto was a nationally recognized individual. According to Clint Johnson, head of the NTSB’s Alaska division, investigators arrived at the crash site a few days after the incident, which is approximately 35 miles northeast of Shaktoolik. According to the initial investigation, the catastrophe occurred when the aircraft struck a large snag—a dead tree, specifically—after takeoff.

Flight Details
Tweto was flying from a remote mountain airfield near Shaktoolik in a Cessna 180H that belonged to Golden Eagle Outfitters. The airfield was situated atop a sloping hill, which created unique challenges. Tweto had already been out of the strip twice that day, once uphill and once down. The NTSB inquiry indicated that the second hunting guide watched the first portion of the takeoff downhill and did not observe anything unusual.

Inconsistencies in the Wind
However, when the engine noise stopped during the climb out, he found out that the aircraft had struck the tundra beneath the airfield. The second guide used his GPS tracker to send out an emergency signal and hurried to the accident site in search of survivors. The answering helicopter pilot reported unusual wind conditions, describing calm intervals, gusts of up to five knots from the south, and gusts of up to twelve knots from the north.

Evidence at the Scene of the Accident
Near the accident scene, investigators found a small stand of trees, among them a smashed 12-foot-tall, 4-inch-thick pine with fragments of red paint matching the airplane’s paint color on it. There were tree sap and embedded tree fibers on the Cessna’s left horizontal stabilizer and tail. NTSB meteorologists are gathering weather data while other factors, such as the weight and balance of the equipment on board the Cessna and any potential medical problems, are being reviewed.

Commemorating Jim Tweto
The wreckage was recovered and is now being transported to Nome for further analysis. Clint Johnson announced Jim Tweto’s significance to the aviation community by referring to him as one of “our notable folks.” The preliminary report was delayed because of NTSB rules and the workweek ending on July 4. On the other hand, a final report is expected in the next 12 months, and a factual report in 2023. The aviation community is pulling together to support Tweto’s family at this difficult time.